If you experience a dental emergency, contact our office as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. A dental emergency can permanently damage the teeth or soft tissue of the mouth. Dental emergencies should be treated quickly with the right care. We offer emergency dentistry care in Flower Mound, TX, as part of our general dental treatments. Our office provides same-day dental care.
Emergency Dentistry in Flower Mound, TX
Our dental care team provides comprehensive dental care to resolve most dental emergencies. Seeking treatment for any type of damage to the teeth or gums is important for the stability of your long-term oral health.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
If a tooth becomes chipped or cracked, repairing the damaged tooth structure promptly will prevent further deterioration and potential decay. Contact us in the event of tooth damage so that we can work with you to coordinate appropriate treatment.
If you feel pain, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to minimize discomfort. Please alert us to your pain, as it can indicate a more complex problem with the tooth.
Treatment for chipped or cracked teeth can include tooth bonding or a dental crown. These treatments will be recommended based on the location and severity of the damage. Both will improve the integrity of the tooth and help prevent further damage.
Knocked Out Tooth
If you knock out a tooth, immediate dental care is essential for minimizing the impact. If possible, locate the tooth and place it under the tongue or in a glass of milk to keep it moist. If this does not disturb an exposed root or cause pain, it can be placed back into the socket. We will likely see you that day and provide treatment to reattach the tooth or address damage and discuss tooth replacement options.
Sudden Tooth Pain
If you have a sudden toothache or pain in or around a tooth, contact our office to discuss the situation and get care advice. Tooth pain can indicate various potential problems, from infection to an abscess under the gums. Our dental care team is equipped to diagnose and treat your dental health concerns and help you restore oral health and wellness.
Broken Dental Restoration
Contact our office for advice if you have a damaged or dislodged dental crown, bridge, or denture. We can help you manage the concern before coming in for a visit. Our office can repair or replace a dental restoration to prevent additional dental problems. Prompt attention to this type of dental problem is important for your long-term dental health.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Learn about emergency dentistry services in our Flower Mound, TX office with answers to these common questions:
Why is emergency dental care essential?
Emergency dental care helps fix problems right away before they get worse. Without fast treatment, small issues can turn into bigger problems that might need more work to fix later. Emergency care also helps stop infections and keeps your mouth healthy.
How can I avoid dental emergencies?
You can prevent future dental emergencies in multiple ways:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep them clean and strong. This helps prevent problems like cavities and gum disease. These problems can create severe toothaches.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports, wear a custom mouthguard. A custom-made mouthguard can prevent tooth chips and cracks, tooth loss, and cuts to the mouth’s soft tissues.
- Stop Bad Habits: Don’t bite down on hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy. They can crack or break your teeth. Don’t use your teeth to open packages, bottles, or anything else. This can cause chips, cracks, or even tooth loss.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit our dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. This helps catch problems early before they turn into emergencies. Cleanings also remove harmful bacteria that infect the teeth and gums.
What follow-up care do I need after an emergency dental visit?
After your emergency visit to our dental office, we generally suggest that you follow these tips:
- Take prescribed medications as directed to prevent pain and infection.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid anything hard, sticky, or spicy until your mouth feels better.
- Use cold compresses if you have swelling.
- Give your body time to heal by avoiding strenuous activities.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment in our office.
When do I have to go to a hospital for a dental emergency?
You should go to a hospital for a dental emergency if you experience:
- Severe bleeding
- Broken jaw
- Swelling and breathing problems
- Severe pain or infection
You should see our dentist as soon as possible for less urgent problems, like a knocked-out tooth or a lost filling. However, you don’t need to go to the hospital unless you have a medical emergency.
Do I need emergency dental care if something is stuck between my teeth or gums?
Something stuck between your teeth or gums may not require emergency dental care, but it can be uncomfortable. First, try to remove the object gently using dental floss. Be careful not to force it, which could hurt your gums or teeth.
If the object won’t come out, or if it causes pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact us. Our dentist can help remove it safely and check for any damage to your teeth or gums. If you’re in a lot of pain or notice serious symptoms, like bleeding that won’t stop, you may need to seek emergency dental care.
What do I do at home if I have a toothache?
Before visiting our office, you can manage your tooth pain at home. You can make a saltwater rinse at home. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth. This can help reduce swelling and clean the area around the tooth. Also, take medicine to reduce pain. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.
If you experience swelling, place a cold pack or a wrapped ice cube outside your cheek near the sore tooth. This can help numb the pain and reduce swelling.
Can I fix a broken tooth at home?
No, you can’t fully fix a broken tooth at home. However, you can manage it before you get to our office.
First, gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area around the broken tooth. You can apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek near the broken tooth. This can help reduce pain and swelling. If your broken tooth edge is sharp, use sugar-free gum or dental wax to cover it and protect your mouth from cuts or irritation. Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Then, call us so we can properly fix your tooth. Do not try to fix your tooth on your own, because it can damage your tooth further.
Does insurance cover emergency dental visits?
Whether insurance covers an emergency dental visit depends on your dental insurance plan. Many plans cover part of the cost for emergencies, especially if the treatment is medically necessary, like fixing a broken tooth or treating an infection. However, some insurance policies may not cover all procedures or visits outside of regular office hours.
To find out what is covered, check your insurance policy or contact your provider. You can also ask our dental office to help verify your benefits before treatment.
Get Dental Care
If you need emergency dentistry care in Flower Mound, TX, call our office at 972-848-8745. Please let us know if you have questions about your dental concerns so we can help.